Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
767. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if persons who have flight reservations for flights which are not cancelled but which depart from an airport which is outside of the permissible travel area around their homes, for example, 5 kilometres or 20 kilometres from 8 June 2020 are entitled to a full refund or free cancellation or booking change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7397/20]
View answerThe Deputy raises an important issue, and it is one affecting many people. As things stand in law, air passenger rights are protected by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, which covers the rights of passenger in instances of cancellations and other scenarios, including long delays. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law.
My understanding is that the current practice of the two main Irish airlines serving the Irish market, having regard to the Covid-19 travel restrictions, is to offer their customers the opportunity to rebook a flight for later in the year or to receive a voucher. There is, however, no legal obligation on them to provide a full refund, irrespective of the Government advices.
Consumers who wish to clarify their entitlements in respect of airlines should consult the Commission for Aviation Regulation's consumer affairs website www.flightrights.ie. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has also made available some further consumer advices on flights and package holidays, which is available on its website at https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/covid-19/consumer-travel/.
